I prefer the Slate Top End as well. As a Slate VMS owner I can say the differences Do not justify 10 times more the price. I used to dream of owning the Sony but after Slate came out with the VMS I no longer had the craving. Just got my VMS and I am happy. 3 new mic emulations coming out in the near future as well. This is insane!
Cleon Richardson mine just came (waiting for my stupid dongle), but I had purchased an AKG P420 and Oktava MK319 (both of which i love) just prior to finding a sale on the Slate; does the VMS, to you, justify selling your other mics or do you use it as one of your options?
Do I hear a difference? Yes, I think the Sony is slightly warmer and "better" to my ears, less sibilant and more musical mids. Do I hear a "10 times better" difference? HELLLLL NO :)
In the next VMS update, they are adding another 800 model that is "fatter and darker" and is "less bright with less sibilance." That model should sound closer to the 800 used in this video.
No, his description is exactly what I hear as well. More sibilances for the Slate (but nothing that can"t be taken care of afterwards), and slightly more laid back sound for the Sony, more dynamic, bright or louder for the Slate. That being said, it's 97% there and based on this comparison I would totally buy the Slate VMS instead of the Sony, especially if the other mics are as good as this one.
Great video... Zero faff, maximum info. Also its great that you applied a little bit of reverb/comp to hear it in a real world setting. WELL DONE THAT MAN.
+Watchman4u I dunno what you know 😂 I just know that if your recording higher then 48 sample rate say 96 or 192 after a mix and master is saved as mp3 you wouldn't even know because mp3 is only 44 or 48
For me the difference is pretty clear between them. the sony seems to have a bit more of a dampened top end and sounds slightly warmer. The Slate sounds real fresh and has a more open clarity. Both sound great. Like he said it's like it's the same model of mic with 1 being moded slightly. Personally I prefer the C800 but The Slate sounds great and for the price point its a great catch.
I agree...I wouldn't say the differences are clear, I think its quite subtle on first playback but they're there and I think I'm hearing the same as you!
could also be a proximity effect we're hearing. since they aren't the identical take, even though i took great care to place the popper stopper at the same distance from both capsules, the artist was moving around a bit.
That's a good real world test IMO. Held off on the VMS because it wasn't a dual channel, rack mounted piece of hardware with ADAT like they originally planned. But with the VRS coming out... thought it was time to research again. Damn close. Well worth the money. I can tell a difference. The Sony seems to have a tiny bit more saturation. And mad props to the vocalist. Killer falsetto.
In terms of frequency range and distribution, yes. The VMS does the job near-perfectly. But in terms of dynamics, the C800G most definitely has its character, compared to the very flat response of the VMS.
brilliant vocals performance! on my smartphone i clearly hear difference on top end (sibilance). possibly you can use vmr lift series to compensate this.
Ты давай не чужие обзоры слушай ,а свой обзор доделай про Слейт компрессоры серии 116 в сравнении с УАД 1176 ревизии А и Е ,НО НА ВОКАЛЕ В МИКСЕ! А не на ударных как сделал ты в предыдущем обзоре, это просто бред, сравнивать компрессоры на барабанах ,мля ты бы еще на хетах сравнил какой компрессор лучше звучит))) Давай делай нормальное сравнение часть вторая с голосом и компрессорами Слейт + УАД. Это народу очень интересно, потому как многие задумываются ,а стоит ли покупать УАД систему за бешенные 80 000-100 000 руб. или просто скачать взломанные компрессоры серии Слейт и разницы не будет! вот что интересует народ. Ты хоть просто в комментариях можешь ответить разница слышна между этими двумя фирмами на голосе и в каких ньюансах проявляется разница? Ответь пожалуйста или обзор сделай ,прошу.
honestly, the sony sounds slightly smoother but nothing that couldn't be eq'd to match exactly on the slate...i'm impressed. i'd like to hear this compared to a c12
I've got a C800G and a Peluso 47 and just got VMS last week. I'm really impressed. It holds its own when compared to the real deal. My Sony 800 is a bit more hyped in the very high end then the Slate 800 model so I'm curious about your tube mod because if I keep the Sony I want to tame the top like yours. What tube mod did you do?
honestly, the last time i had the tubes replaced was a while ago in LA, probably through westlake audio's repair shop. the caps were fixed/adjusted with a local guy here in seattle. sorry i can't give you more info. but i have to say, i think my sony has always sounded a little darker than others i've used, which is one reason i love it and have held on to it.
Thanks! I'm going to call Westlake this week and see if they can do the tube mod. Did your top end smooth out from that tube mod or did the cap updates help as well to darken it?
Sold the Peluso last week if that tells you anything. The VMS 47 does the trick for me in the 47 department. But what has really got me is the 251. I'm using it on my daughter's EP with the 76 preamp and then using the VCC RC Tube and it's the best vocal sound I've ever gotten with her. I'm loving VMS.
I pulled the trigger rather hastily on ordering a slate and have had some post purchase panic. Glad to have found your comparison. Thank you. They do not sound identical but they sound equally fabulous. The slate sure brings a ton of value for the price. I feel having it will free me from worrying about having many mics. If I come across something really special, I'll bring it home. However, I no longer need to have two or three expensive condenser mics and several pres. I should be able to achieve a great sound with just one mic and focus on getting a great performance. With as good asAxeFx has become to guitar amps, this is a welcome innovation
Glad this vid assuaged some fears! BTW, after I made this video, the 800M model was released and it's even closer to my sony cuz it's based on one from the same era (not the brighter more sibilant ones manufactured later). The thing I'm finding is, I almost never reach for any other mice now, cuz I can just track and wait till mix to pick which mic sounds best. Check this out: soundcloud.com/badkidbilly/human-mixa, I ended up using the 67 on the lead vocal, the 800 and 800M on female backgrounds, the C12 on male backgrounds and 47 on acoustic guitars. So cool to have that flexibility post-recording.
Finally! I've been waiting for a comparison on the VMS. Gotta say, I'm very impressed! obviously not identical, but its still a lovely sounding mic very close to the sony! Thanks for uploading! (Great singer btw)
Thanks for checking it out! And yeah, he's really good. Yeah, I kept waiting for someone to do a vid like this and when no one was, I figured, I might as well haha.
@thebarcodestv - don't know why it won't let me post a reply directly to your comment but: no problem! and agreed - i love my sony, but would i buy one today? i seriously doubt it. and tbh with either, you add any eq and you'll end up slapping a deesser on. i almost always do with the sony. and let's not forget, you can switch mic models after the fact, so it's not just one mic sound you're getting - that's probably the most appealing part for me, having the variation.
Agenda Records, Inc. nice video boss and thank you for taking the time to do it, I gotta say that Sony is really nice, either one of those mics would do the job anyway however my tekky nerdy side can hear that Sony somethin
my son had a sterling st51 lyin around his studio and we all know those are starting level mics but he paired it with an aphex preamp and got a sound that surprised the he'll out of me it's made me wonder if the impedance match was spot on but it sounded amazing 69 dollar mic sounds like a 5000 dollar set up, lol..........
Great work here and I appreciate the clear example. What sounded like to me is the Slate was just a tad more airy and maybe a tad less forgiving. However, does not justify the price. Hell of an amazing sounding option, dude singing sounds good and a chill tune. ✌🏼👍🏼
Sometimes the absence of a frequency creates the impression there is more of something else. For example, often times when I am mixing VO into an audio bed, rolling off the low end from 70hz to 110 of 120 hz gives the impression of a brighter voice, when in reality, it isn't any brighter at all. My point is, I think that because the Sony was missing a little on the top, it accentuated the bottom to low mids. That's what my ears are perceiving listening to this through a pair of Focal monitors and UAD interface.
To the average ears, there is no difference especially going through your really nice vocal chain. I'm sure experienced engineers can find some very small differences but to home studio/musician who engineers out of necessity, this is a real keeper from Slate! Selling off some gear this week to get in the game before they raise the price.
Great video! I have a question for you. I have the Slate + halo sheild Also. But i pick up alot of the room in My recordings (vocals) So to My question: have you acousticly treated the room alot or you depend most on the halo?
Hey I had a lot of treatment in that room. I have now finished construction on my new spot and don't use the halo anymore, as I have a properly treated booth. The only times I do is if I have two singers in the same room, I put the halo on one of the stands to try to isolate it a bit from the other singer.
To my ears, not looking at the video, but just listening, I feel a bit more presence in the Slate emulation. Probably because the microphone Slate modeled was in as pristine condition as they could find. You did mention that you had your mic serviced, so perhaps that would be the slight tonal shift happening. But as is the story with all microphones, tone is not stagnant as capsules age. If we are strictly talking about tone, it is an absolutely incredible result you got with the VMS. Great video!
I agree with several comments below. The Slate seems more sibilant and 'spiky' (for want of a better word) in the top end. The Sony still has presence but is not as sibilant - it sounds smoother to my ears! However on the second acapella section the differences were MUCH reduced and I'm pretty certain I couldn't tell the mics apart in a mix context. Is it worth the difference in price.......that's up to the individual to decide but I for one don't have £10k to spend on a mic!
i wouldn't use the word "spiky" - that makes it sound harsher than it is. i think it's just brighter. but again, as i described, my mic has had its tubes and caps worked on and is 15 yrs old...so i can't be sure how those things may have affected the tone, too
I know what you mean! I don't think the VMS sounds harsh at all but 'more harsh' than the Sony. But you're right, the difference could be any number of variables and they are still incredibly close - to the point where we are splitting hairs!
25 year broadcast engineer here with some music recording and mix down experience. FYI, I'm listening on a MacBook Pro built-in speaker. The difference is slight. The Sony has better resolution. The reverb field seems to have gotten larger and I can hear the decay. Still, I'd go for the VMS. In the time versus money realm better mics get you there faster but I'm willing to work harder and longer to save 90 percent of hardware costs. If the rest of the chain is high end the VMS will get the job done and leave money for years of beer and pizza.
Beer and pizza is the best justification, But imagine putting in some foot and making a hit to later tell the nerds/a**holes I used a mic modeler...from China!
Both sound great. Listening logically, they're very similar. But when I listen from the standpoint of which moves me more, the Sony has that extra little magic that resonates more. Smoother, rounder, warmer mids. The Slate sounds really great though, especially for the price, and the versatility.
I actually preferred the Slate mic. I like the air and crisp top end. All you would have to do to make it sound more like the 800 is add a little saturation and or harmonic distortion to soften the top end and cream it up a little. Great sounding neo disco track too. Good singing by your boy there as well.
C800G sounds thicker but as crazy as it will sound, I prferred the sound of thr VMS... differences are fairly subtle and could be compensated for in the mix in either direction, IMO. Thanks for sharing.
In the next VMS update, they are adding another 800 model that is "fatter and darker" and is "less bright with less sibilance." That model should sound closer to the 800 used in this video.
I was considering upgrading my current set up of a Blue Baby Bottle into an ART Pro MPA II with swapped tubes to a Blue Blueberry and a Daking Mic Pre One, but I think I'm sold on the Slate Digital VMS now thanks to this video
1st off thank you for this comparison! it's been my biggest question since slate's announcement! IMO the C800 has a smoother top end but like others the price vs performance ratio I'd have to say slate is the clear winner. more versatility with mic options n the accuracy is bar none! very pleased either way!
Great comments and I agree with most Sony a bit warmer/creamier - But the Slate VMS has also about 15 or so different mics in the software so much more than just 1 mic and it does not need maintenance or break.
The devil in detail. Sony much better for me, it's like nature or middle range so different. Sony have right end nice focus of sound. Slate have too much dirty 8 kHz. Sony sounds like DeEsser already laid.
The VMS sounds like 95% spot on!!! That and the fact you get a U87 and 251 emulation justifies saving 8,000.00 for something else like mortgage, car payment and D&Ds...I just copped the VMS!!
Thanks for doing this test! They are remarkably similar especially in tone. The only thing I hear is some "flaying" or "fraying" of the sharp transients in the slate that I can only imagine comes from the capsule not being as finely engineered... Essentially a small amount of distortion that is barely there.
Also, which polar pattern did you have the sony set to? The C800G can sound like a completely different mic depending on whether it's polar pattern is set to cardoid or omni. I know Slate VMS is only models the cardioid polar response, so that's another major variable (on top of the FG800 slider being set to 150%) that could make this comparison results less of a fair comparison. Still a nice vid, and song though.
The VMS is clearly a "modern" design with a more neutral sound and thus a pronounced high end. But this is the point of it! Software will only improve over time, so the Sony and all the other emulations for the VMS are sure to steadily improve. I definitely hear a smoother and fuller all round sound from the Sony in this clip, but to be fair, that is the magic ingredient you pay for in such a mic. Trouble is, even if you can afford the Sony, very few people can afford ALL of the current and coming models that Slate offer. So in my book, this is an absolute no-brainer if versatility ranks high on your shopping list.
my impression: the RT60 when using the Slate is more apparent. The c800 sits in the mix so well. The differences were clear up until 2:33 when his vocal is in the higher register. Personally, I like the c800. But VMS is my budget.
this singer is remarkably consistent in his performance. I'd also say that this is one of the VMS emulations that are quite spot on (not so for the vintage neumann simulations). Thanks for the great video. I think the point is that with the slate VMS, for a measly 1k, you can make truly professional recordings (assuming all your other ducks are in a row of course, ie accoustics, performance, etc). Whether the mics all sound close to the original ones or not is not very important imho. In fact, if you got 100 people, lay or professionals and did a blind test between the originals and the VMS versions, I doubt you'd see any significant clustering in favor of the originals. the VMS might add something that makes them even more pleasing to some.
To my ears, with my setup, the Slate has a nicer top end. One thing I'd like to hear on a shootout like this is the sound of the Slate with no emulation.
Slate is brighter, while the original seems quite rounder and better balanced. Cutting 2 dB from the top of Slate is going to make them 99.9% identical. Well done, I'm seriously considering getting a virtual mic system!
I hear differences in the slate that I don't like. But its still pretty close. If you ever get a chance to check out some sphere videos testing the L22 mic system, it captures more similar to how your Sony is capturing the sound, with a good feel/vibe to it.
literally everyone that says the sony is so much better would fail to know which is which in a blind study. People, even people that have been in the industry for decades, fail to understand how powerful the placebo effect is in the recording industry, and how important it is to the industries infrastructure.
because with a Sony you have to let the tube warm up for about 1 or 2 hours and he said he replaced the tube I want to know if he replaced it with a factory sony c800g or after market tube
Yeah on my studio monitors i cant tell a different at all. But when i put my Headphones on i can tell the real mic sounds a bit dampened. The Slate mic sound abit more clear. I actually like it better tbh. It captures the essence of the mic to me! As someone with only a 300 dollar mic. This might be something great to purchase !
The only real difference is in the low frequency energies, where the sony has a tad more, as if you sense the presence of the notes from the sheer low end energy more than actually hearing them. This might be able to be achieved through a good EQ or alternatively by running the slate through a tube compressor or similar unit where the energy in the valves can touch it before it hits the DAW, and it would probably be even closer. Thanks for sharing this, will be buying the slate for my new studio.
I agree with you bro. I can't tell the difference. These kill me talking about they hear difference. I always thought this modeling was the best in the system. The others comparison in his video the Slate mic has a bit more highs. But this sony was dead on in his video and yours. For that reason alone I would buy the system. You know what I will buy the system. I am sold. Thanks.
Good video guys! Thank you. About the differences: yes I can hear the difference - Slate or Sony, listening to it it doesn't matter that much. So far so good... On a whole other level - not hearing, but FEELING - the Sony has so much more to offer. The difference between 'good' and sheer goosebumps. Goosebumps for the Sony and of course the singer. Would the difference be worth ten times the price? A big YES!
After hearing this on 2 different headsets and on a pair of Tannoy Reveal speakers, I can say I hear an insignificant difference. The Slate is a fantastic buy.
I've tried it through the Apollo, and I've also recorded it through my neve pre and tubetech compressor -- even if if may mess with the modeling a bit, my philosophy is, if it sounds good, do it!
Listening here, a typical end user location, I couldn't hear much difference through Sennheiser HD25, mid priced cans. Loved the song and singer! Couldn't help but notice how a great reverb is essential and as a real world tool, reduces the differences even more. Bottom line here is that you can produce a top shelf product with the VMS because no end user listens to raw tracks, just engineers.
you can't do a real test on youtube because it's a very highly compressed waveform and did you let the tube warm up for about an hour before recording ? you stated you just replaced the tube is that the factory Sony c800g tube that you replaced it with ?
The difference is pretty clear idk what dude is talking about..the slate is THIN..making its highs sound almost harsh..the Sony sounds warmer with smoother highs
+Byus hey, thanks for commenting. What monitors are you using? Perhaps I need to upgrade mine! I hear the difference, but it's not a big difference to me, especially not in the chorus section.
+Agenda Records, Inc. after reading my comment again I might have came off as "rude"..my bad for that..I don't have anything special far as monitors go..have a pair of jbl's..I just heard the difference right away in the highs..usually I would have to listen 2..3 times..but it stuck out for me..maybe I'm sensitive there idk..thank you for taking the time to do this shoot out
Can you please tell me where I can get that identical portable mic booth please? thank you for the great video. I have a portable mic booth but i really like the design of the one you have. I searched sweetwater, amazon, etc CANNOT find it
I think they both sound close. I think the Slate has a bit more 6.3 and the Sony sounds tighter in the mids and smother over all. They both sound killer. I think Slate wins for the price. Nice Vid.
Thank you for doing this shoot out in the CONTEXT of the song. It's the only way to really hear any differences. On my Presonus Sceptres the only difference I hear is in the very high end. The VMS has a little more sibilance than the C800 but to be honest for the price difference I really don't care. Just find that range and with a good EQ take it out if you want.
Did NOT expect that Debarge voice! 😳
Came for the comparison, left a fan of this artist and song!
I prefer the Slate Top End as well. As a Slate VMS owner I can say the differences Do not justify 10 times more the price. I used to dream of owning the Sony but after Slate came out with the VMS I no longer had the craving. Just got my VMS and I am happy. 3 new mic emulations coming out in the near future as well. This is insane!
Cleon Richardson mine just came (waiting for my stupid dongle), but I had purchased an AKG P420 and Oktava MK319 (both of which i love) just prior to finding a sale on the Slate; does the VMS, to you, justify selling your other mics or do you use it as one of your options?
Are their updates free?
Do I hear a difference? Yes, I think the Sony is slightly warmer and "better" to my ears, less sibilant and more musical mids. Do I hear a "10 times better" difference? HELLLLL NO :)
In the next VMS update, they are adding another 800 model that is "fatter and darker" and is "less bright with less sibilance." That model should sound closer to the 800 used in this video.
Love to see this video redone when that delivers!
Maybe you are thinking and not hearing.
No, his description is exactly what I hear as well. More sibilances for the Slate (but nothing that can"t be taken care of afterwards), and slightly more laid back sound for the Sony, more dynamic, bright or louder for the Slate.
That being said, it's 97% there and based on this comparison I would totally buy the Slate VMS instead of the Sony, especially if the other mics are as good as this one.
Great observation I agree!
Great video... Zero faff, maximum info. Also its great that you applied a little bit of reverb/comp to hear it in a real world setting.
WELL DONE THAT MAN.
To me, the Sony has a smoother top end. That being said...... the Slate VMS is SUPER close.
After mixdown mastered to mp3 then to YT could you tell the difference?
+Watchman4u its quite easy to hear the harsh top end even after its converted through youtube 😂😂
D40Oz1 Quite easy of course what do I know>???
+Watchman4u I dunno what you know 😂 I just know that if your recording higher then 48 sample rate say 96 or 192 after a mix and master is saved as mp3 you wouldn't even know because mp3 is only 44 or 48
For me the difference is pretty clear between them. the sony seems to have a bit more of a dampened top end and sounds slightly warmer. The Slate sounds real fresh and has a more open clarity. Both sound great. Like he said it's like it's the same model of mic with 1 being moded slightly. Personally I prefer the C800 but The Slate sounds great and for the price point its a great catch.
Exactly what my ears were hearing.
I agree...I wouldn't say the differences are clear, I think its quite subtle on first playback but they're there and I think I'm hearing the same as you!
could also be a proximity effect we're hearing. since they aren't the identical take, even though i took great care to place the popper stopper at the same distance from both capsules, the artist was moving around a bit.
I noticed the slate is tilted down ever so slightly. this small change could definitely account for the slight difference in brightness.
could be - like i said, they are separate takes, so not an exact science
Dude is an amazing singer !!!!
Im blown away! I gotta get one. Really dig that track guys!
Ok so this is one of the most relevant comparisons I have ever seen. Thanks, I have the information I need now to make and informed purchase.
+Nathaniel Johnson Jr glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.
that dude is dope
That's a good real world test IMO. Held off on the VMS because it wasn't a dual channel, rack mounted piece of hardware with ADAT like they originally planned. But with the VRS coming out... thought it was time to research again. Damn close. Well worth the money. I can tell a difference. The Sony seems to have a tiny bit more saturation. And mad props to the vocalist. Killer falsetto.
In terms of frequency range and distribution, yes. The VMS does the job near-perfectly. But in terms of dynamics, the C800G most definitely has its character, compared to the very flat response of the VMS.
brilliant vocals performance! on my smartphone i clearly hear difference on top end (sibilance). possibly you can use vmr lift series to compensate this.
Ты давай не чужие обзоры слушай ,а свой обзор доделай про Слейт компрессоры серии 116 в сравнении с УАД 1176 ревизии А и Е ,НО НА ВОКАЛЕ В МИКСЕ! А не на ударных как сделал ты в предыдущем обзоре, это просто бред, сравнивать компрессоры на барабанах ,мля ты бы еще на хетах сравнил какой компрессор лучше звучит))) Давай делай нормальное сравнение часть вторая с голосом и компрессорами Слейт + УАД. Это народу очень интересно, потому как многие задумываются ,а стоит ли покупать УАД систему за бешенные 80 000-100 000 руб. или просто скачать взломанные компрессоры серии Слейт и разницы не будет! вот что интересует народ.
Ты хоть просто в комментариях можешь ответить разница слышна между этими двумя фирмами на голосе и в каких ньюансах проявляется разница? Ответь пожалуйста или обзор сделай ,прошу.
Man thank you for this! Looks like I'll be getting a VMS system lol. And thanks to your artist too he did a great job!
If I'm going to pay 9k for a mic that sounds slightly better than this slate it better be able to record, mix, master, cook, clean and cut my grass.
YESSSSUUUHH!!!
Lol
Preach!
This was an awesome video. I like them both and your video helped me come to the decision of adding the Slate to my list. Thank you sir.
Thank you. Great comparison, way to go!
honestly, the sony sounds slightly smoother but nothing that couldn't be eq'd to match exactly on the slate...i'm impressed. i'd like to hear this compared to a c12
I've got a C800G and a Peluso 47 and just got VMS last week. I'm really impressed. It holds its own when compared to the real deal. My Sony 800 is a bit more hyped in the very high end then the Slate 800 model so I'm curious about your tube mod because if I keep the Sony I want to tame the top like yours. What tube mod did you do?
honestly, the last time i had the tubes replaced was a while ago in LA, probably through westlake audio's repair shop. the caps were fixed/adjusted with a local guy here in seattle. sorry i can't give you more info. but i have to say, i think my sony has always sounded a little darker than others i've used, which is one reason i love it and have held on to it.
Thanks! I'm going to call Westlake this week and see if they can do the tube mod. Did your top end smooth out from that tube mod or did the cap updates help as well to darken it?
I'm thinking about replacing my Peluso 2247 SE with the VMS, whats your take on them? Would love to hear your experience.
Sold the Peluso last week if that tells you anything. The VMS 47 does the trick for me in the 47 department. But what has really got me is the 251. I'm using it on my daughter's EP with the 76 preamp and then using the VCC RC Tube and it's the best vocal sound I've ever gotten with her. I'm loving VMS.
Pretty impressive - certain now that we live in the matrix and Steven is slowly pulling us all back into it. ;)
Perfect video. Good comparison. Not even 3min. Thanks!
I pulled the trigger rather hastily on ordering a slate and have had some post purchase panic. Glad to have found your comparison. Thank you. They do not sound identical but they sound equally fabulous. The slate sure brings a ton of value for the price. I feel having it will free me from worrying about having many mics. If I come across something really special, I'll bring it home. However, I no longer need to have two or three expensive condenser mics and several pres. I should be able to achieve a great sound with just one mic and focus on getting a great performance. With as good asAxeFx has become to guitar amps, this is a welcome innovation
Glad this vid assuaged some fears! BTW, after I made this video, the 800M model was released and it's even closer to my sony cuz it's based on one from the same era (not the brighter more sibilant ones manufactured later). The thing I'm finding is, I almost never reach for any other mice now, cuz I can just track and wait till mix to pick which mic sounds best. Check this out: soundcloud.com/badkidbilly/human-mixa, I ended up using the 67 on the lead vocal, the 800 and 800M on female backgrounds, the C12 on male backgrounds and 47 on acoustic guitars. So cool to have that flexibility post-recording.
Finally! I've been waiting for a comparison on the VMS. Gotta say, I'm very impressed! obviously not identical, but its still a lovely sounding mic very close to the sony! Thanks for uploading! (Great singer btw)
Thanks for checking it out! And yeah, he's really good. Yeah, I kept waiting for someone to do a vid like this and when no one was, I figured, I might as well haha.
great voice! Which what really matters.
imaginarytube that is the question
Thank u for this video!!! Much love
@thebarcodestv - don't know why it won't let me post a reply directly to your comment but: no problem! and agreed - i love my sony, but would i buy one today? i seriously doubt it. and tbh with either, you add any eq and you'll end up slapping a deesser on. i almost always do with the sony. and let's not forget, you can switch mic models after the fact, so it's not just one mic sound you're getting - that's probably the most appealing part for me, having the variation.
Agenda Records, Inc. I AGREE!!!!!!!100℅
Agenda Records, Inc. nice video boss and thank you for taking the time to do it, I gotta say that Sony is really nice, either one of those mics would do the job anyway however my tekky nerdy side can hear that Sony somethin
my son had a sterling st51 lyin around his studio and we all know those are starting level mics but he paired it with an aphex preamp and got a sound that surprised the he'll out of me it's made me wonder if the impedance match was spot on but it sounded amazing 69 dollar mic sounds like a 5000 dollar set up, lol..........
Agenda Records, Inc. Oh and SWEET TRACK FELAS
Thats pure Magic!!!!!
Great work here and I appreciate the clear example. What sounded like to me is the Slate was just a tad more airy and maybe a tad less forgiving. However, does not justify the price. Hell of an amazing sounding option, dude singing sounds good and a chill tune. ✌🏼👍🏼
Damn... that guy can actually sing. In a mic demo...
Sony is thicker and rounder if you get what I am saying. Slate is close and respectable for sure. Thank you for the demo!
Sometimes the absence of a frequency creates the impression there is more of something else. For example, often times when I am mixing VO into an audio bed, rolling off the low end from 70hz to 110 of 120 hz gives the impression of a brighter voice, when in reality, it isn't any brighter at all. My point is, I think that because the Sony was missing a little on the top, it accentuated the bottom to low mids. That's what my ears are perceiving listening to this through a pair of Focal monitors and UAD interface.
very good point.
To the average ears, there is no difference especially going through your really nice vocal chain. I'm sure experienced engineers can find some very small differences but to home studio/musician who engineers out of necessity, this is a real keeper from Slate! Selling off some gear this week to get in the game before they raise the price.
Great video! I have a question for you. I have the Slate + halo sheild Also. But i pick up alot of the room in My recordings (vocals) So to My question: have you acousticly treated the room alot or you depend most on the halo?
Hey I had a lot of treatment in that room. I have now finished construction on my new spot and don't use the halo anymore, as I have a properly treated booth. The only times I do is if I have two singers in the same room, I put the halo on one of the stands to try to isolate it a bit from the other singer.
Agenda Records, Inc. Thanks for the fast response 🙏🏼 i Will propably sell it and get a Isovox
To my ears, not looking at the video, but just listening, I feel a bit more presence in the Slate emulation. Probably because the microphone Slate modeled was in as pristine condition as they could find. You did mention that you had your mic serviced, so perhaps that would be the slight tonal shift happening. But as is the story with all microphones, tone is not stagnant as capsules age. If we are strictly talking about tone, it is an absolutely incredible result you got with the VMS. Great video!
I agree with several comments below. The Slate seems more sibilant and 'spiky' (for want of a better word) in the top end. The Sony still has presence but is not as sibilant - it sounds smoother to my ears! However on the second acapella section the differences were MUCH reduced and I'm pretty certain I couldn't tell the mics apart in a mix context. Is it worth the difference in price.......that's up to the individual to decide but I for one don't have £10k to spend on a mic!
i wouldn't use the word "spiky" - that makes it sound harsher than it is. i think it's just brighter. but again, as i described, my mic has had its tubes and caps worked on and is 15 yrs old...so i can't be sure how those things may have affected the tone, too
I know what you mean! I don't think the VMS sounds harsh at all but 'more harsh' than the Sony. But you're right, the difference could be any number of variables and they are still incredibly close - to the point where we are splitting hairs!
25 year broadcast engineer here with some music recording and mix down experience. FYI, I'm listening on a MacBook Pro built-in speaker. The difference is slight. The Sony has better resolution. The reverb field seems to have gotten larger and I can hear the decay. Still, I'd go for the VMS. In the time versus money realm better mics get you there faster but I'm willing to work harder and longer to save 90 percent of hardware costs. If the rest of the chain is high end the VMS will get the job done and leave money for years of beer and pizza.
Beer and pizza is the best justification, But imagine putting in some foot and making a hit to later tell the nerds/a**holes I used a mic modeler...from China!
Great comp video! Thanks for sharing. Random question; what video camera are you using?
Thanks!
Matt
i shot it with a lumix dmc-g7
Both sound great. Listening logically, they're very similar. But when I listen from the standpoint of which moves me more, the Sony has that extra little magic that resonates more. Smoother, rounder, warmer mids. The Slate sounds really great though, especially for the price, and the versatility.
I actually preferred the Slate mic. I like the air and crisp top end. All you would have to do to make it sound more like the 800 is add a little saturation and or harmonic distortion to soften the top end and cream it up a little. Great sounding neo disco track too. Good singing by your boy there as well.
Great vid, I'd go sony on the verse and slate on the chorus! What DAW are you using in the vid?
+MarcoAntonio Spaventi Logic Pro X
That emulation sounds fantastic. Curious to hear the U67 emulation that just came out, as that's my mic of choice on my vocals.
Its all about the smooooooofffffff sound. Thanks for the test
The detail of the capsule in the c800g is incredible.. can make my husky sound like a million dollars
Hi. Thanks for the mic test. It definitely a no brainer. By the way, where did you get your acoustic mic filter? Looks awesome.
+Sponge Brain Aston Microphones Halo Microphone Reflection Filter www.amazon.com/dp/B01AXUDJ68/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_XYyRxbC83DXXB
Thanks!
sounds like you tweaked the sony parts significantly in the 2:20 area..
Brandon Noneya no sir. Like I said, there is verb and a hair of compression so they sit better in the track. That’s it.
C800G sounds thicker but as crazy as it will sound, I prferred the sound of thr VMS... differences are fairly subtle and could be compensated for in the mix in either direction, IMO.
Thanks for sharing.
+Seany06 my pleasure
In the next VMS update, they are adding another 800 model that is "fatter and darker" and is "less bright with less sibilance." That model should sound closer to the 800 used in this video.
+Rob Smith yes! Modeled on a mic from the same era as mine. I'm very curious to see how much closer it might sound!
Did you record through any hardware besides the VMS Pre? You got those gears there.
I was considering upgrading my current set up of a Blue Baby Bottle into an ART Pro MPA II with swapped tubes to a Blue Blueberry and a Daking Mic Pre One, but I think I'm sold on the Slate Digital VMS now thanks to this video
1st off thank you for this comparison! it's been my biggest question since slate's announcement! IMO the C800 has a smoother top end but like others the price vs performance ratio I'd have to say slate is the clear winner. more versatility with mic options n the accuracy is bar none! very pleased either way!
Great comments and I agree with most Sony a bit warmer/creamier - But the Slate VMS has also about 15 or so different mics in the software so much more than just 1 mic and it does not need maintenance or break.
The devil in detail. Sony much better for me, it's like nature or middle range so different. Sony have right end nice focus of sound. Slate have too much dirty 8 kHz. Sony sounds like DeEsser already laid.
Different, not better.
@InXLsisDeo: It's clearly better. Sony is much more balanced sounding and natural, not sibilance sensitive like VMS.
what? That's nonsense. You can't hear the difference. Don't @ me!!
@@HaNguyen-kn2tg I agree
absolutely agree. they two on one filed, but Sony much balanced, complete and sounds more natural.
When did Stifler become a singer?
hehe!
The VMS sounds like 95% spot on!!! That and the fact you get a U87 and 251 emulation justifies saving 8,000.00 for something else like mortgage, car payment and D&Ds...I just copped the VMS!!
cool video, thanks!
+johnnysummerville thanks! Needed to satisfy my curiosity, too :)
Thanks for doing this test! They are remarkably similar especially in tone. The only thing I hear is some "flaying" or "fraying" of the sharp transients in the slate that I can only imagine comes from the capsule not being as finely engineered... Essentially a small amount of distortion that is barely there.
Still using the Slate mic? Not sure if should keep it with the VMS One. Still in it's box. Zzounds told me the VMS is discontinued. Thanks.
Also, which polar pattern did you have the sony set to? The C800G can sound like a completely different mic depending on whether it's polar pattern is set to cardoid or omni. I know Slate VMS is only models the cardioid polar response, so that's another major variable (on top of the FG800 slider being set to 150%) that could make this comparison results less of a fair comparison. Still a nice vid, and song though.
The VMS is clearly a "modern" design with a more neutral sound and thus a pronounced high end. But this is the point of it! Software will only improve over time, so the Sony and all the other emulations for the VMS are sure to steadily improve. I definitely hear a smoother and fuller all round sound from the Sony in this clip, but to be fair, that is the magic ingredient you pay for in such a mic. Trouble is, even if you can afford the Sony, very few people can afford ALL of the current and coming models that Slate offer. So in my book, this is an absolute no-brainer if versatility ranks high on your shopping list.
Just picked the Slate mic and preamp up lightly used for $360. Thanks fit the video
my impression: the RT60 when using the Slate is more apparent. The c800 sits in the mix so well. The differences were clear up until 2:33 when his vocal is in the higher register. Personally, I like the c800. But VMS is my budget.
Where can I hear the full song?! :)
thanks for asking, full song is here: ua-cam.com/video/XLANPeIuYtc/v-deo.html
this singer is remarkably consistent in his performance. I'd also say that this is one of the VMS emulations that are quite spot on (not so for the vintage neumann simulations). Thanks for the great video.
I think the point is that with the slate VMS, for a measly 1k, you can make truly professional recordings (assuming all your other ducks are in a row of course, ie accoustics, performance, etc). Whether the mics all sound close to the original ones or not is not very important imho. In fact, if you got 100 people, lay or professionals and did a blind test between the originals and the VMS versions, I doubt you'd see any significant clustering in favor of the originals. the VMS might add something that makes them even more pleasing to some.
To my ears, with my setup, the Slate has a nicer top end.
One thing I'd like to hear on a shootout like this is the sound of the Slate with no emulation.
it would be hard to recreate the same hardware sidechain, but suffice it to say, it's much flatter sounding -- still sounds pretty good, though
since they just added a model for the 800g in the new tube pack I'd love to hear how those compare.
+Mike O definitely curious about the 800m they're releasing!
Slate is brighter, while the original seems quite rounder and better balanced. Cutting 2 dB from the top of Slate is going to make them 99.9% identical. Well done, I'm seriously considering getting a virtual mic system!
I hear differences in the slate that I don't like. But its still pretty close. If you ever get a chance to check out some sphere videos testing the L22 mic system, it captures more similar to how your Sony is capturing the sound, with a good feel/vibe to it.
The difference is in dynamic and depth of tone
That time towards the end is hard AF.
literally everyone that says the sony is so much better would fail to know which is which in a blind study. People, even people that have been in the industry for decades, fail to understand how powerful the placebo effect is in the recording industry, and how important it is to the industries infrastructure.
Yeah, in retrospect I should have done a blind test.
Is that model of the Sony mic the same model Dr. Dre uses?
All you guys fooling yourselves with Sony is better, yadi yada! Most of you, if not all, can't pick one apart from the other in a true blind test!
experiment0003 I’ve watched it 5 times eyes closed and open and couldn’t tell the difference on falsetto.
because with a Sony you have to let the tube warm up for about 1 or 2 hours and he said he replaced the tube I want to know if he replaced it with a factory sony c800g or after market tube
Yeah on my studio monitors i cant tell a different at all. But when i put my Headphones on i can tell the real mic sounds a bit dampened. The Slate mic sound abit more clear. I actually like it better tbh. It captures the essence of the mic to me! As someone with only a 300 dollar mic. This might be something great to purchase !
Thanks for the comparison, as songwriter/producer/mixer, I can hardly hear much difference, certainly not 10k difference. Nice track and vocal chops!
The only real difference is in the low frequency energies, where the sony has a tad more, as if you sense the presence of the notes from the sheer low end energy more than actually hearing them. This might be able to be achieved through a good EQ or alternatively by running the slate through a tube compressor or similar unit where the energy in the valves can touch it before it hits the DAW, and it would probably be even closer. Thanks for sharing this, will be buying the slate for my new studio.
Top end is very different. Slate seems thinner and the Sony softer in a much better way. Great vocals BTW.
I agree with you bro. I can't tell the difference. These kill me talking about they hear difference. I always thought this modeling was the best in the system. The others comparison in his video the Slate mic has a bit more highs. But this sony was dead on in his video and yours. For that reason alone I would buy the system. You know what I will buy the system. I am sold. Thanks.
Besides those mics.. i like the song.
Good video guys! Thank you. About the differences: yes I can hear the difference - Slate or Sony, listening to it it doesn't matter that much.
So far so good... On a whole other level - not hearing, but FEELING - the Sony has so much more to offer. The difference between 'good' and sheer goosebumps. Goosebumps for the Sony and of course the singer.
Would the difference be worth ten times the price? A big YES!
Which one is on the final version in the link?
That's the million dollar question.
Who the hell is the vocalists? He is kickass!
ua-cam.com/channels/84BcIb1Z5myy3n-_mnrlZA.html
Bad Kid Billy
Thanx
How you do this thing for microphone? Tell me please . It s awesome purple thing!
What a nice reflection screen do u use?))) PLease answer))
Сергей Чупин Aston Halo reflection filter🤘🏻
+Сергей Чупин Aston Microphones Halo Microphone Reflection Filter www.amazon.com/dp/B01AXUDJ68/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_5-qhybGTZ2BQY
After hearing this on 2 different headsets and on a pair of Tannoy Reveal speakers, I can say I hear an insignificant difference.
The Slate is a fantastic buy.
Have you tried the VMS mic and plugins using only the Apollo pre which is clean for vocals?
I've tried it through the Apollo, and I've also recorded it through my neve pre and tubetech compressor -- even if if may mess with the modeling a bit, my philosophy is, if it sounds good, do it!
I also noticed the Sony has a really good consistency of sound well rounded, the slate system (which I too love) had less signal consistency
That Slate Audio sounds really close to it but a little more open which sounds better to me
What's the reverb plugin you're using?
used the relab that used to be bundled with the everything bundle from slate
Listening here, a typical end user location, I couldn't hear much difference through Sennheiser HD25, mid priced cans. Loved the song and singer! Couldn't help but notice how a great reverb is essential and as a real world tool, reduces the differences even more. Bottom line here is that you can produce a top shelf product with the VMS because no end user listens to raw tracks, just engineers.
Dude has some pipes!
you can't do a real test on youtube because it's a very highly compressed waveform and did you let the tube warm up for about an hour before recording ? you stated you just replaced the tube is that the factory Sony c800g tube that you replaced it with ?
Is it possible to use it with one's own preamplifier? I already have one of the most neutral preamps.
what brand is the purple mic absorber?
The difference is pretty clear idk what dude is talking about..the slate is THIN..making its highs sound almost harsh..the Sony sounds warmer with smoother highs
+Byus hey, thanks for commenting. What monitors are you using? Perhaps I need to upgrade mine! I hear the difference, but it's not a big difference to me, especially not in the chorus section.
+Agenda Records, Inc. after reading my comment again I might have came off as "rude"..my bad for that..I don't have anything special far as monitors go..have a pair of jbl's..I just heard the difference right away in the highs..usually I would have to listen 2..3 times..but it stuck out for me..maybe I'm sensitive there idk..thank you for taking the time to do this shoot out
+Agenda Records, Inc. wish I had that Sony u have lol I'm jealous..love the song as well
+Byus no worries! I was just curious if you had something that accentuated the difference more or was more accurate.
Can you please tell me where I can get that identical portable mic booth please? thank you for the great video. I have a portable mic booth but i really like the design of the one you have. I searched sweetwater, amazon, etc CANNOT find it
+foxitallrecords ASTON HALO REFLECTION FILTER w/ Pop Filter www.amazon.com/dp/B01M07RJ5L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_AQejzbT0TSFSG
What is the purple filter behind the singer?
www.amazon.com/dp/B01AXUDJ68/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_XYyRxbC83DXXB
Thanks!
I think they both sound close. I think the Slate has a bit more 6.3 and the Sony sounds tighter in the mids and smother over all. They both sound killer. I think Slate wins for the price. Nice Vid.
+The Mix Club thanks!
Thank you for doing this shoot out in the CONTEXT of the song.
It's the only way to really hear any differences.
On my Presonus Sceptres the only difference I hear is in the very high end.
The VMS has a little more sibilance than the C800 but to be honest for the price difference I really don't care.
Just find that range and with a good EQ take it out if you want.
To me the the Slate has semblance issues. Sony is way smoother. Thanks for the vid.
RME + ADAM A7 difference is very small, but price is really different! Exelent Mic!
What pre did you use?